V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University Became a Hub for Discussing the Accessibility Ecosystem in Ukraine

On April 30, 2026, Kharkiv National University hosted a landmark event — the Forum on the Development of the Accessibility Ecosystem. Organized jointly by the university and the charity foundation “Kharkiv with You,” the event brought together government representatives, international experts, educators, and civic activists to develop a strategy for an inclusive future.

Opening the event, Tetiana Yehorova-Lutsenko, Head of the Kharkiv Regional Council, and Olena Rofe-Beketova, Director of the “Kharkiv with You” Charity Foundation, welcomed the participants and emphasized Kharkiv region’s leadership in implementing social projects even under wartime conditions. Rector of Karazin University Tetyana Kaganovska stressed that accessibility is прежде всего about human dignity and a new culture of interaction, adding: “Today, thousands of people are experiencing loss, trauma, rehabilitation, and changes in their life trajectory, and this speaks to the responsibility of our state, every institution, and each of us. Karazin University today understands its social role.”

Key Discussion Topics

The forum program included four strategic panels reflecting a comprehensive approach to building an inclusive environment:

• policies and systemic solutions. Experts discussed the implementation of the “Accessibility Handbook” and the State Standard of Barrier-Free Language at the municipal level;
• social support and cohesion. With the participation of Presidential Advisor and Commissioner for Accessibility Issues Tetiana Lomakina, participants analyzed how to transform separate initiatives into an effective support system for vulnerable groups;
• inclusive education. Moderated by Vice-Rector Liliia Hrynevych, discussions focused on creating an environment of equal opportunities, incorporating the experience of international experts from Israel and leading Ukrainian specialists;
• rehabilitation. Veterans, medical professionals, and adaptive sports coaches focused on the psychophysical recovery of people affected by the war as a foundation for returning to active social life.

The forum became an important step in implementing the National Strategy for Creating a Barrier-Free Environment by 2030. The main outcome of the event was the development of practical recommendations for local self-government bodies and the establishment of new partnerships between the university community and the public sector.

Main priorities for future changes:

• information policy: transition to barrier-free language and elimination of stigmatization;
• educational transformation: implementation of inclusive standards in higher and secondary education;
• regional leadership: Kharkiv region should become a “locomotive” of change by initiating legislative amendments.

The event concluded with the presentation of the book “Letters to Alinka” by Yulita Ran, which helps children and adults better understand the experiences of people with disabilities, followed by the summary of the forum’s outcomes.

Accessibility is already becoming a norm of everyday life. Karazin University is contributing to the creation of a society where everyone feels comfortable — from a defender undergoing rehabilitation to a student in the classroom.